Sensor and feedback assembly for a bicycle

ABSTRACT

A feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning while bicycling comprising one or more sensors located on the bicycle in positions that indicate when rider is in an aerodynamic position that activates and or otherwise records data associated with aerodynamic positioning while riding.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/513,469 filed Oct. 14, 2014, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/963,039filed on Nov. 21, 2013 and said U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/513,469 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/030,689 filed on Jul. 30, 2014. Each of the applicationslisted above is expressly incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to a feedback system for abicyclist. More particularly, the present invention provides anindicator for time spent in an aerodynamic position while bicycling byutilizing a sensor that is activated when the cyclist is in anaerodynamic position.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As in most sports racing, reduced air resistance is preferable andespecially so in bicycle sports. Much time and energy has been spentattempting to reduce air resistance with aerodynamic helmets, clothing,bicycle designs and so forth. One of the most immediate ways to reduceair resistance while bicycling is for the rider to stay in a lowprofile, which is obviously more aerodynamic than sitting upright. Asnoted by bicycle enthusiast magazine, BICYCLING MAGAZINE, November 2013,“ . . . the biggest, most basic improvement any rider can make is stillto ride with your hands in the drops (aerodynamic position) more often.”

An aerobar is an elongated bar that is typically attached to a bicyclehandlebar, or alternatively, formed as a part of the handlebar itself.Although handlebars typically extend in a direction generallyperpendicular to the path of travel, an aerobar is designed to extendgenerally along the direction of travel. When formed to be discrete fromthe handlebar, aerobars are formed in pairs. When positioned on thebicycle, the cyclist will use the aerobars to help support cyclist'sweight while assuming a more aerodynamic profile.

The cyclist will typically bend over in an aerodynamic tuck positionwherein the proximal portions of the cyclist's forearms (near cyclist'selbows), rest on pads attached to the handlebars with cyclist's handsand forearms extending forward of cyclist's chest, the cyclist's handsgripping the aerobar near its distal end to better pierce the air. Theproximal end of the aerobar is positioned closest (rearward-most) to thebicycle frame while the distal end is farthest away (forward-most).

While the value of aerodynamics is generally understood, it is notapplied consistently among riders and is not currently a data pointavailable for analysis by the general public. Furthermore, it isdesirable to provide a training system to build the habit, enhance thefeedback and allow the individual to recognize the value of maintainingthe aerodynamic position and its impact on speed, heart rate, and soforth.

Therefore, it is preferable to be as aerodynamic as possible for as longas possible in a race and while training in general. It is alsotherefore desirable to provide feedback to a bicyclist of the benefitsof being aerodynamically positioned as well as an incentive or reminderto stay in an aerodynamic position as much as possible. The currentinvention provides an inexpensive, effective, and more reliableapparatus and method of indicating when a cyclist is in the aerodynamicposition and promoting staying in the aerodynamic position where theprior art fails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types offeedback systems related to bicycling now present in the prior art, thepresent invention provides a new and improved feedback system forindicating when a rider is and stays in an aerodynamic position. Assuch, the general purpose of the present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new andimproved aerodynamic position indicator and feedback system for use withbicycles which may be fitted to existing bicycles which has all theadvantages of the prior art devices and none of the disadvantages.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a feedbacksystem and indicator for aerodynamic positioning while bicyclingcomprising one or more sensors located on the bicycle in positions thatindicate when rider is in an aerodynamic position that activates and orotherwise records data associated with aerodynamic positioning whileriding. The sensor may generally be placed such that the rider'sposition is indicated, recorded and otherwise utilized.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in this application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily beutilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, andsystems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as includingsuch equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially theengineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patentor legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursoryinspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of theapplication. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention ofthe application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended tobe limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling that may be easily attached, implemented and utilized.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling, which is of a durable and reliable construction and may beutilized on multiple styles of bicycles.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling, which is susceptible to a low cost of manufacture with regardto both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptibleto low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making sucheconomically available to cycling enthusiast.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling, which provides all of the advantages of the prior art, whilesimultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associatedtherewith.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedfeedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling with relatively no or minimal moving parts, consistentperformance in all environments, and provides relatively easy retrievalof information and feedback in general.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling, which may provide visual indicators, warnings, and so forthof when a rider is in a preferred aerodynamic position or not.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling, which may be adapted to use with current feedback systemsknown in bicycling.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling that may be utilized with existing smart phones and otherconsumer electronics.

And another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling that provides a new way to review and or analyze aerodynamicposition and resultant outcomes during training and racing.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling that may act as guidance for training, racing, bike fittingand clinical applications such as but not limited to physical therapistswho specialize in treating bicyclists to help determine whether thereare any anomalies from right to left side.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved feedback system and indicator for aerodynamic positioning whilebicycling that can analyze a user's power, cadence, heart rate, and orspeed while in an aerodynamic position and when not in an aerodynamicposition. It may also provide information on what incline they “bail”out of the aero position and sit up. It is common that when a riderfaces an incline they get out of the aerodynamic position and into moreof sitting up and or standing position. It is therefore desirable toknow at what gradient, such as 1%, 2%, 3%, and so forth they leave theaero position and sit up. This may aid in finding an optimal amount oftime to stay in the aero position to minimize injury as well as see thedifference in their speed in aero vs. non-aero.

These, together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty, which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof. Such description makes referenceto the drawings in wherein:

FIG. 1 is a general illustration of the preferred embodiment of theinvention associated with an aerobar for a bicycle and a smartphonelink.

FIG. 2 is a general illustration of the preferred embodiment of theinvention depicting a user in the aero position utilizing an aerobar fora bicycle.

FIG. 3 is a general illustration of the preferred embodiment of theinvention depicting a user in the aero position utilizing an aerobar fora bicycle having drop down handles.

FIG. 4 is a general illustration of the preferred embodiment of theinvention not installed on a bicycle.

FIG. 5 is a general illustration of the preferred embodiment of theinvention showing a see through depiction of a housing for a sensingsystem sensing unit.

FIG. 6 is a general illustration of the preferred embodiment of theinvention depicting a visual and graphic depiction of data associatedwith a user being in an aero and non-aero position as determined by theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a general illustration of the preferred embodiment of theinvention depicting a visual and graphic depiction of data associatedwith a user being in an aero and non-aero position as determined by theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views, and referring inparticular to FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally refers to anew and improved aerodynamic position feedback device, sensor, indictorand combinations thereof assembly, hereinafter referred to collectivelyas invention 10. Invention 10 as generally depicted is for use withbicycle 20 although it is understood that invention 10 may be used onall types of vehicles wherein the user and or operator body positioningfor maximizing aerodynamic positioning may be desired. The embodimentsdescribed herein should not be considered limiting to just bicycles orvehicles. It is also understood the current invention may be anapparatus, device, system, method of use and combinations thereof.

Invention 10 may comprise a sensor system 30 attached to bicycle 20 thatgenerally indicates when user or rider 15 is in a preferred or desiredaerodynamic position 25, which occurs when rider 15 has placed theirhands 45, arms, forearms 35, and so forth on sensor 40 of sensor system30. Sensor system 30 may have other components as described furtherbelow.

It is understood that invention 10 may be utilized with other equipmentand devices other than bicycles. It is contemplated that other exerciseequipment may be but is not limited to stationary bicycles, stairstepper machine, treadmills and so forth. It is contemplated that sensorsystem 30 may be utilized to indicate if the user of the equipment is inthe desired position 25 for the use of the equipment and or diagnoseincorrect positioning. By example, a stair stepper machine user shouldhave hands and or body positioned on the equipment in a desired fashion.Sensor system 30 may provide an indicator when the user is in anon-desirable and or non-optimal position, provide weight-bearingcomparisons from side to side, indicate when weight bearing exceeds aspecific percentage of bodyweight and so forth.

Sensor System

Sensor 40 may essentially be but is not limited to activation by touchand or pressure exerted from rider 15 when in contact with sensor 40 asknown in the art. Sensor 40 may be a dome cap sensor that may utilizeelastomeric injection molded dome-caps such as are used in the prior artas simple momentary-on electrical switch. The injection-molded dome-capmay be a component of a sensor having a single threshold serving as asimple make or break, closed or open, on or off, electrical switch in acircuit.

It is also contemplated to use other sensors 40 such as but not limitedto a flex circuit sensor. A flex sensor generally uses carbon on a stripof plastic to act like a variable resistor, but instead of changing theresistance by turning a knob, it is changed by flexing and or bendingthe component.

It is understood that numerous known sensors may be utilized and thecurrent invention is not to be considered limited to a dome cap sensor,flex circuit, and so forth. It is also understood that and one or moresensors 40 may be utilized as well as combinations of different kinds ofsensor(s) 40. Sensor 40 may also be a pressure sensor, magnet separationtype sensor similar to SRM magnet type, an optical eye sensor,combinations thereof, and so forth. It is also contemplated to providewireless technology such as “arm band” option. This may be worn onforearm 35 and send a wireless signal when rider 15 is in the correctand or desired position 25 as discussed in greater detail below.

Now referring to FIG. 1 and the illustrations in general, sensor 40 maybe located on an aerobar 50 pad 60 surface 70 where rider's 15 elbows,forearms 35 and so forth would be placed when rider 15 is in aerodynamicand or preferred body position 25. It is understood that sensor 40 maybe located on other parts of aerobar 50, such as where rider's 15 hands45 would be located. It is also understood that sensor 40 may be anaftermarket attachment place, stuck, glued and so forth on pad 60surface 70 as desired and or removably attached in general. Sensor 40may be integrated during manufacture into pad 60 such that sensor 40 isgenerally integrated into surface 70.

It is also understood that aerobars frequently have a two piececonstruction with a support structure 55 made from metal or otherdurable and hard material with removable pad 60. It is contemplated thatsensor 40 may be placed between support structure 55 and pad 60.

It is also contemplated to utilize a magnet and or optic eye option,which may include two sensors(s) 40 on either side of pad 60 such thatthe arm, hand 45, forearm 35 and so forth would “block” the magnet oroptical eye when rider 15 was in desired position 25. It is alsounderstood that sensor(s) 40 may be utilized in combination on the handheld area, forearm area and so forth.

Furthermore, it is contemplated sensor 40 may be located on pad 60 andor surface 70. It is understood that rider 15 may move their hand 45,arm, forearm 35 while generally still in the aerodynamic position 25 toreach for water, nutrition and so forth, which could send a falseindicator of leaving the aerodynamic position 25. Therefore, sensor 40may be generally located on the non-dominant hand side since dominanthand is usually used for water bottle, nutrition, etc. Furthermore,bilateral sensors(s) 40 may be utilized to diagnose side-to-sidedifferential, pressure, injury prevention and so forth.

Now referring to FIG. 3 and the illustrations in general, it is alsounderstood that aerobars vary greatly in terms of design, so thatspecific positioning may vary accordingly. It is contemplated invention10 may be utilized on any bicycle 20 where aerodynamic position 25 maybe obtained by rider 15 and sensed by the location of hand 45, arm,forearm 35, and so forth. This may include all bicycles and may includebicycles with aerobars, bicycles without aerobars, standard road bikehandlebars, and so forth. Invention 10 may be utilized with “clip-on”aerobars 50, which are generally clipped onto standard road bikehandlebars, the positioning may be as describe above.

It is contemplated that other types of bicycles and bicycle handles mayutilize invention 10 where sensor 40 may be located on the “drops” ofhandlebars 80 and may be similar to the above description, depending onthe specific design and positioning of both the clip-ons and the roadbike handlebars. By example, standard road bikes without aerobars stilloften include a “drop” handle position allowing the rider to assume amore aerodynamic position by generally lowering the body and orextending down.

Sensor system 30 may have unit 90 that may be positioned out of the wayof rider 15 on the bars, underneath surface of the pad 60 and or supportstructure 55 or a bar 65 itself. Unit 90 may be inserted inside the dropwhere frequently a removable cap is located on the end that could beremoved and sensor system 30, sensor 40, unit 90 and combinationsthereof can be inserted inside. Otherwise, the unit 90 would be placedelsewhere on the bike 20 based on the needs and current equipment of therider 15.

Again referring to the illustrations in general and more specificallyFIGS. 4 and 5, the sensing unit 90 of one aspect is a stand-alone unit,and thus includes a housing 100. It is contemplated to provide housing100 that is rugged to survive rigorous sporting activity. Preferably,the housing 100 provides a universal interface 105, which permitsmounting of the unit 90 to a variety of platforms and locations onbicycle 20 and or rider 15. The universal interface 105 is preferably aconformal surface, which conveniently permits mounting of the sensingunit 90 to a plurality of surfaces, e.g., a flat surface, around a bar,and so forth. Invention 10 contemplates taping, screwing, banding,tying, and so forth to the desired location on bike 20 and or user 15.Invention 10 contemplates utilizing VELCRO and or other fixation.

Alternatively, the sensing unit 90 can be integrated into objectsalready associated with bicycle 20 components. In one aspect, thesensing unit 90 is integrated into the bars, seat and so forth. Inanother aspect, the sensing unit 90 is removably integrated. In stillanother aspect, the sensing unit 90 is generally removably attached torider 15, keeps wireless contact between sensor(s) 40 and otherrecording tools such as PDA, smart phones 170 and so forth.

Sensor system 30 may be powered by power sources 120 such as but notlimited to replaceable battery. A preferred construction may utilize aCR2032 type battery. Invention 10 may also utilize rechargeable powersource 120, solar powered and so forth.

Housing 100 may further include a removable door and or panel 130 foraccessing the interior 140 of housing 100 for replacing power source 120and so forth. Panel 130 may be screwed in place to housing 100 withscrew 150. It is understood that numerous types of configuration may beutilized and invention 10 is not to be limited to such.

Housing 100 interior may include a microprocessor 160, chip, motherboard, circuit board and so forth that is powered by power sources 120.As known in the prior art, microprocessor 160 is capable of sending,transmitting and or receiving communications from smart phone 170 asknown in the art.

It is also contemplated that sensing unit 90 may not be utilized andsensor(s) 40 communicate directly with PDA, smart phone 170 and soforth. It is understood that sensor(s) 40 may be hard wired 110 tosensing unit 90, wireless communication and combinations thereof. Sensorsystem 30, sensor 40, and sensing unit 90 may communicate via BLUETOOTH,ANT+ and so forth.

Visual and or Audible Indicator

Invention 10 may include a visual indicator (not shown) that depictswhen rider 15 is in the correct and or desired position 25 and not. Byexample, a green light may show when correct and a red light when rider15 comes out of the correct position 25. Visual indicator may be placedon bicycle 20 in a manner visible to rider 15, connected to sensors 40and sensor system 30 and so forth.

It is understood that numerous real time feed backs may be utilized suchas but not limited to something like a level bubble in a housing thatidentifies when rider 15 is at the incline they plan to ride in theaerodynamic position 25. By example, the indicator may show and orotherwise indicate when rider 15 is at 1% incline and or below.

It is also understood that indicator may be audible, for example, theposition data can be transmitted directly to a radio receiver connectedto headphones worn by the user 15 or to a small speaker worn in theuser's 15 ear. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, thesensing unit 90 transmits performance data directly into the receiver sothat the user 15 can listen—in real time—to the results of his sportsperformance. Specifically, the radio receiver includes a data conversionunit, which responds to the receipt of performance data from the sensingunit 90 and which converts the performance data into sound, via theheadphones, so that the user 15 listens to the performance data. Byexample, a beeping noise may be generated when out of the desiredposition 25. This may be audible with and or without a headset.

Operating System

A data collection component may be used to collect data from a subjectin aerodynamic position, non-aerodynamic position, and or riding ingeneral. Data collection component may comprise, for example, systemssuch as those illustrated and/or described above, although other systemsmay also be utilized. Data collection component may provide bodypositioning data of a subject, body movement data of a subject, andphysiological data of a subject performing the activity. Analysiscomponent may compare the data from data collection component to data indatabase. Analysis component may provide a report identifying and/orclassifying the level of performance of a subject for any given type ofdata such as body movement and/or physiological and or overall. Analysiscomponent may also provide a training plan for a subject. Training planmay identify areas for subject to attempt to improve and may furtherprovide a series of activities that may be performed by subject toattempt to improve subject's performance. Analysis component maycomprise software operating on any type of computer having a processorand computer readable media to perform a comparison between thesubject's data and the data stored in database component.

In one aspect, invention 10 may provide sensor system 30, which includesa controller subsystem connected with one or more sensor(s) 40. Thecontroller subsystem may include a microprocessor 160 or microcontrollerand can include preamplifiers and A/D converters to interface with thesensor(s) 40. It is also contemplated sensor 40 may contain suchcircuitry and or combinations thereof. The controller subsystem canfurther include logic circuitry and/or software modules to logic outunwanted data from sensor(s) 40 (e.g., down time that does notcorrespond to reasonable event). Preferably, the controller subsystemalso includes digital memory to store parameters for sensor(s) 40 and tostore data such as power, time in position, speed and so forthcollectively referred to as performance data for later retrieval. Abattery may be used to power the controller subsystem. The battery canalso be used for sensor(s) 40, if required.

However, one preferred sensor 40, which can function, for any of thesensors is the piezoelectric foils such as made from AMP SENSORS™. Thesefoils do not require power and rather generate a voltage in response toinput forces. A display can be integrated with the sensing unit 90 toprovide direct feedback to the performance data. In one aspect, a userinterface is also integrated with the sensing unit 90 to provide usercontrol of the sensing unit 90, e.g., to include an ON/OFF switch andbuttons to select for acquisition or display of certain performancedata.

In one preferred aspect, the sensing unit 90 provides for themeasurement of power entirely within a watch. Manufacturers such asCASIO™, TIMEX™, SEIKO™, FILA™, and SWATCH™ make sport wristwatches withcertain digital electronics disposed therein. In accordance with theinvention, power measurement capability is added within such a watch sothat data can be provided.

In one preferred aspect, the performance data is transmitted viaradiofrequencies (or other data transfer technique, including infraredlight or inductively coupled electronics) from the sensing unit 90 to adata unit (not shown), which is ergonomically compatible with the user15. Accordingly, the sensing unit 90 in this aspect does not require adisplay as performance data is made available to the user 15 through thedata unit. For example, the data unit of one aspect is a watch that theuser 15 wears on user's wrist. The data unit can alternatively be madeinto a “pager-like” module such as known fully in the art (MOTOROLA™ isone well-known manufacturer that makes pager modules). In either case,the sensing unit 90 and the data unit cooperate to provide a completesystem for the user 15.

In still another aspect, the data unit is not required. Rather,performance data is transmitted such as by RF directly from the sensingunit 90 to a base station (not shown) associated with the sporting area.For example, the base station can be a computer in a chase vehicle. Thesensing unit 90 of this aspect transmits performance data tagged toparticular user 15 to the base station where performance data from allusers is collated, stored, compared and/or printed for various purposes.Preferably, the base station includes processing capability and storagewhereby performance data can be assessed and processed. For example,user 15 at the end of the day can receive a printout (or computer disk)of user's performance data; and the report can include a comparison toother performers within the sporting activity. It is contemplated thatreporting and data analysis may take place within a web portal similarto what is available through TrainingPeaks.com or Strava.com orGarminConnect.com. It is also contemplated invention 10 may be utilizedby same.

If the event occurs in a mountainous region, for example, user 15 cansee his performance data as compared to others on a particular mountain.Performance data can also be catalogued according to age, date, andperformance data type (e.g., airtime, power, speed and/or dropdistance). It is understood that invention 10 may have a larger valuefor aerodynamics on flatter courses in general and comparisons may bemade accordingly with previous segments and segments in general shouldnot be considered limited to mountain type segments.

In one aspect, the base station augments the sensing units 90 byproviding processing power to calculate and quantify the performancedata. For example, in this aspect, raw sensor data such as from amicrophone is transmitted from the sensing unit 90 to the base station,which thereafter calculates the appropriate performance data. Thesensing unit 90 “tags” the transmitted data so as to identify particularuser 15. The base station of this aspect then calculates and stores theappropriate performance data for that particular user 15.

The base station can further include a Web Site server that connects thebase station to, other such base stations via the Internet so thatperformance data from users can be collated, stored, compared and/orprinted for a variety of purposes. One or more servers thus function asthe primary servers from which users can obtain their performance datafrom their own computers, via the Internet (or via a LAN or WAN). In oneaspect, the primary servers also function as a gaming network whereperformance data from all users is integrated in a recreational manner,and made available to all or selected users.

Mobile App and or Report Generator

It is understood also that a mobile app and or application may beutilized. That it may initially record simple in/out of aero position25; provide immediate visual feedback on percent of time in aeroposition 25; eventually percent of time at specific inclines; allow anindividual to select timeframe for feedback to eliminate a start/stopbutton; initial activation of sensor turns “on”; link to GoogleMap/MapMyRide/and other mapping options; provide and sound various alarmsounds based on user settings on when they want alert to get into/out ofaero such as a user could set for <1%, 1%, 2%, 3% incline preference foralert; send data to website for additional review and personalization byuser; and so forth as well as combination thereof.

Once again referring to the illustrations in general and more inparticular to FIGS. 6 and 7, invention 10 contemplates utilizing thetime in and out of the aero dynamic position 25 to generate visualdepicts of information 180 and 190, reports, graphs and so forth. Thismay be accomplished by utilizing known prior art bicycling applicationsthat monitor heart rate, power, cadence, speed, elevations during a rideand comparing to the time in the aero and non-aero position over aperiod of time.

Invention 10 allows the tracking of aero and non-aero positioning to becross referenced with other applications and data known in the art suchas but not limited to:

AERO TENDENCIES Average Maximum Speed (km/h) 7.2 mph 20 mph Aero 6.8 mph12.6 mph No Aero 7.8 mph 20 mph Power 106 W 239 W Aero 147 W 239 W NoAero 33 W 164 W Heartrate 86 BPM 108 BPM Aero 88 BPM 107 BPM No Aero 82BPM 108 BPM Cadence 38 RPM 92 RPM Aero 46 RPM 92 RPM No Aero 24 RPM 92RPM

Website

Furthermore, it is understood that invention 10 may utilize a website.The site may utilize APIs to collect data from various ANT+ and othertools to collect HR, Power, Speed, Incline, and other feedback comparedto aero position; connect to MapMyRide, GarminConnect, Polar and othertools similar to Strava to provide variety of data for comparison in/outof aero;

have the ability to personalize settings to examine percent of time inaero position when at specific inclines with a mapping system; keeppersonal records section for each user that matches up time and/orpercent of time in aero position for each segment they identify; providea scoring system to compare progress over time, set goals on specificsegments, total time/week or month in aero position and so forth; makedata available to Training Peaks, MapMyRide, Strava and others forintegration into their system; provide safety and disclaimernotifications about riding at safe speeds, cornering in aero position,rider responsibility and so forth.

Further Embodiments

Invention 10 still further contemplates as discussed above and further,embodiments that may include a plug-in phone application and or app; afree standing phone application and or app; a pressure transducer deviceand or system; a magnetic connection device and or system; a radiofrequency identification (RFID) device and or system; combinationsthereof and so forth.

Invention 10 may also include a pressure sensor device and or system ofweight for use for weight distribution between legs and upper body; afinger switch device and or system; a capacitive touch sensor device andor system; a wearable device and or system that may detect angles,contact, and such with or without distance from the aero position;including any of the above in the specification to be built into aerobaror handlebars of the bicycle and or other equipment.

It is therefore contemplated that invention 10 may be an apparatus forrecording a bicycle rider's time in an aerodynamic position comprising asensor that produces a signal when said rider is in said aerodynamicposition; a microprocessor in communication with said sensor forrecording said signal from said sensor and transforming said signal intoa wireless electronic output; a transmitter in communication with saidmicroprocessor for transmitting said electronic output; and a powersource in communication with said sensor, said microprocessor, and saidtransmitter. The sensor may be a dome cap sensor and placed on an aerobar on said bicycle and activated by the forearm of said rider beingplaced on said sensor. Invention 10 may include a power source utilizinga battery and have electronic output that is compatible to BLUE TOOTHcommunications.

Invention 10 may further include a system for analyzing a bicyclerider's time in an aerodynamic position comprising a sensor apparatushaving a sensor that produces a signal when said rider is in saidaerodynamic position; a microprocessor in communication with said sensorfor recording said signal from said sensor and transforming said signalinto a wireless electronic output; a transmitter in communication withsaid microprocessor for transmitting said electronic output; a powersource in communication with said sensor, said microprocessor, and saidtransmitter; and a smartphone for receiving said wireless electronicoutput from said microprocessor.

Changes may be made in the combinations, operations, and arrangements ofthe various parts and elements described herein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Other embodiments of theinvention, including combinations, additions, variations and othermodifications of the disclosed embodiments will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art and are within the scope of the claims.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for recording a bicycle rider's time in anaerodynamic position comprising: a sensor located on an aero bar of abicycle that produces a signal when said rider is in said aerodynamicposition; a housing mounted to said bicycle wherein said housing has aninterior; a microprocessor disposed in said housing in communicationwith said sensor for recording said signal from said sensor andtransforming said signal into a wireless electronic output; atransmitter disposed in said housing in communication with saidmicroprocessor for transmitting said electronic output to a smartphone;and a rechargeable battery disposed in said housing in communicationwith said sensor, said microprocessor, and said transmitter.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor is a flex circuit sensor. 3.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic output is compatible toBLUE TOOTH communications.